The exploration of the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a journey into a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in maintaining our body's balance and well-being. This system, intricately woven into our central and peripheral nervous systems, is a bridge between our brain, spinal cord, organs, and immune system. Understanding the ECS is key to appreciating the nuanced effects of CBD (cannabidiol) products.
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, interacts with the ECS in a unique way. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD doesn't directly bind to the primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Instead, it influences these receptors indirectly, creating a cascade of effects that help the body maintain homeostasis – a state of balanced health.
The interaction of CBD with the ECS is subtle and complex. It acts as a kind of primer for nerve endings, enhancing the brain's ability to communicate with the body. This improved communication is crucial in restoring and maintaining equilibrium within the body's systems.
The experience of using full-spectrum CBD products is distinct from other natural remedies. Typically, within 15 to 45 minutes of consumption, users report feeling a gentle wave of calm and relaxation. This sensation is markedly different from the 'high' associated with THC, another compound found in cannabis. CBD's effects are more understated, yet profound in their impact on the body and mind.
For those seeking relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other health issues, CBD's benefits often become more apparent with consistent use over time. The timeframe for noticing these benefits can vary widely, from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like the severity of symptoms, individual biology, and the quality of the CBD product.
CBD's versatility is both fascinating and complex. It can act as an adaptogen – a substance that helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. While CBD itself is a molecule and not a plant or extract, its behavior in the body mirrors that of other well-known adaptogens.
This adaptogenic nature means that the effects of CBD can vary greatly depending on an individual's needs. During the day, it might manifest as increased mental clarity and energy, while at night, it may aid in relaxation and sleep. This dual nature is a hallmark of CBD's interaction with the body's ECS.
Interestingly, CBD's impact on appetite is another area where its adaptogenic properties are evident. A 2018 study noted that CBD could either increase or decrease appetite, depending on the individual. This ability to provide either stimulation or relaxation, based on the body's requirements, is a key aspect of CBD's appeal.
In summary, the experience of using full-spectrum CBD products is a journey into the heart of the body's endocannabinoid system. It's a journey marked by subtle shifts towards balance and well-being, without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Whether it's enhancing mental clarity, easing pain, or promoting restful sleep, CBD offers a versatile, gentle, and effective path to health and equilibrium.
How Does CBD Make You Feel If You Take High Doses?
If you think higher doses mean better effects, you’re not alone. After all, it makes perfect sense. But we should know by now that CBD seems to defy conventional expectations.
CBD behaves in a “bell curve” or “u-shaped” fashion when it comes to dosing. Its effects are biphasic, meaning there’s a negative correlation between dose and potency – as dose increases, effectiveness eventually decreases.
In other words, too much CBD is just as ineffective as too little. Dosage requirements can range from tens to hundreds of milligrams per day. But if you exceed the “sweet spot” dose, the effects will weaken and eventually stop.
Another problem is that taking higher doses can cause tolerance, forcing you to take a three to seven-day CBD break and get back on a lower dose to allow your tolerance to CBD to reset.
However, CBD is known to have side effects, which will intensify as you increase the dose. We’ll get to that in a minute.
Does CBD Oil Give You A Buzz or High?
No, CBD oil won’t give you a buzz or high feeling. THC and – to a much lesser extent – cannabinol (CBN) are the only two major cannabinoids known to impair mental and motor function.
As we mentioned, CBD doesn’t bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors, meaning it can’t directly affect the way THC and many other cannabinoids do. Instead, cannabidiol works through different pathways, altering the shape and behavior of endocannabinoid receptors.
Once altered, the CB1 and CB2 receptors may bind differently – or not at all – to other cannabinoids. For instance, not only will CBD not get you as high, but its effects block the uptake of THC, meaning cannabidiol can mitigate and shorten THC intoxication.
What Our Customers Say About What They Felt Taking CBD
Anecdotal evidence is the backbone of CBD’s reported benefits – and there’s plenty of that to go around. Although people often mention specific conditions, these are their observations. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these claims, nor is CBD currently intended to cure, prevent, or treat any illness.
One customer said:
“…to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis…While it doesn’t completely relieve the pain, it works better than the Aleve I was taking without the nasty side effects associated with NSAIDs or raising my blood pressure. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s helped lower it. It significantly decreased the level of pain and duration pain I usually suffer on a daily basis. Another bonus, it seems to help me relax and sleep better.”
The cost of CBD is a huge pain point for many people, including Barbara. CBD Surgeons offers some of the best value around, and you can get a 15% discount by subscribing to regular deliveries.
“Ron” had similar feedback, saying:
“Just after a couple days of using your CBD oil, I had the best day at work since my surgery. Much better attitude, and moved around great. I’m a believer [in you and] your product!”
“Millie Ackerman” is a senior citizen who tried CBD, with excellent results:
“I am happy with my CBD OILS. I am 75 years old and have the general aches and pains that go along with aging. Also, have Spinal Stenosis. The oils help my sense of well-being and comforts me. I plan on continuing the use of the oils.”
One of our customers was so happy; she agreed to film a testimonial for us. She openly shared her incredible experience using our products, which we’d love to show you too.
Of course, this is just the tip of a colossal iceberg. There are plenty of testimonials about CBD products, so we encourage you to look at independent customer reviews and publications. Our CBD blog also contains many handy information and links to studies where you can learn more about CBD.
THC vs. CBD Feeling
THC and CBD overlap in therapeutic benefits, but the overall experience is like night and day.
We already know that CBD is non-intoxicating. While CBD reportedly offers relief from many different symptoms through various non-ECS receptors, THC’s medical effects revolve around its powerful intoxicating properties.
Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to THC. Many people use it to deal with the same array of symptoms that gained CBD so much attention. But the experience is very different – and sometimes unpleasant.
When you consume THC, expect to feel the following:
Aside from relaxation and (possibly) nausea, you won’t experience any of the above effects when using CBD.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of CBD?
Besides product quality and your individual biology, the type of hemp-derived CBD product you take makes a difference. Each CBD product takes a different amount of time to reach your bloodstream after consumption.
CBD Oils
CBD Oils are ingestible CBD extracts usually meant for sublingual consumption. You temporarily place the oil under your tongue and allow your mouth’s capillaries to directly absorb some of the CBD.
Thanks to the sublingual method, oils take around 15 to 30 minutes to take effect.
CBD Edibles
Edibles cover a broad range of products. In this case, we’ll define “edible” as any CBD directly ingested and processed exclusively in the liver. Edibles are products like:
CBD Gummies
Despite their different forms, these all share the same delay period of 30 to 45 minutes.
Smoking Hemp Rich in CBD
Smoking is another option known for its fast-acting – albeit shorter – effects. Currently, there are three ways to smoke CBD:
Smoking is the quickest option, so you’ll feel a notable difference within five minutes – if not immediately.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are the only product not intended for internal use. In other words, you apply it to the skin. However, this means the CBD won’t enter your bloodstream, so topical effects are focal. This provides excellent localized relief for issues like pain and inflammation.
A considerable variety of topicals exist, including:
These products work within 10 to 20 minutes, so it’s not uncommon for pain relief to seem almost instant. However, you may need to give the topical time to do its work when countering things like inflammation.
How Much CBD Should You Take to Feel a Difference?
Finding the right amount of CBD for you isn’t an exact science, as everyone’s cases and bodies are different.
We highly recommend reading our CBD dosing guide on how much CBD to take if you need help understanding how it works.
Here are some quick tips about CBD dosing:
Can CBD Make You Feel Bad?
Although uncommon, CBD health and wellness products can cause side effects – especially at high doses. Fortunately, these are mild compared to many prescription medications. Some people who take CBD feel things like:
Conclusion: How Does CBD Feel
What does CBD feel like? This can vary substantially based on your situation. CBD’s adaptogenic behavior also means effects might be very different depending on your brain and body’s immediate state.
There’s also the Entourage Effect and its critical role with our endocannabinoid system. Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD is ideal compared to pure CBD isolate.
Again, experiences vary, but customers say they feel the effects of our CBD within 15 to 30 minutes. However, it can take days or even weeks of consistent exposure before you start seeing great results in your health and body. This is normal, so don’t be discouraged.
Remember that CBD is a supplement. It hasn’t been fully evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We still have a lot to learn about CBD, but we can’t deny that it has potential. In many cases, it changed people’s lives, alleviating symptoms without (at least in our case) harmful chemical ingredients.
If you want to feel CBD’s true potential, our company, CBD Surgeons, specializes in extracting and purifying our CBD extract using a pharmaceutical approach in separation science, allowing us to naturally retain terpenes. We strongly recommend you check out our line of CBD oils.